On Wednesday, the top European teams demonstrated why they are the favorites to win the next World Cup, held this year in South Africa.

Spain took France in a much-anticipated match between two of the favorite European teams; without a doubt, however, Spain proved its superiority, surpassing France in a 2-0 victory in the Stade de France. This victory was Spain’s first in French territory since 1968.

Spain has proven that it has a very solid team, winning 42 of the last 45 games; its last defeat was against the United States at the Confederations Cup.

The Spaniards started creating opportunities from the beginning of the game. The first clear chance came at minute 18, when Xabi Alonso’s free kick went too wide and David Villa was unable to control the ball. The first goal came just a minute later, when David Silva missed a pass from Andres Iniesta after beating Julien Escude; Vila managed to take the ball and finish the play, passing French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

The second goal came in the first half as well, at minute 45, when Alonso was able to take the ball from Yoann Gourcuff and pass directly to Sergio Ramos. Ramos, already in the area, made a left-footed shot that arced into the far side of the net.

The French players went into halftime already down by 2, and their anxiety showed. Under pressure, the French team emerged in the second half with clear intentions of beating the Spanish team. Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka, and Djibril Cisse had clear opportunities, but their efforts produced no points, and the French team lost the game, 2-0.

The same evening, England played Egypt at the Wembley Stadium in London. After a bad start, England managed to take the match 3-1, overcoming a first goal scored by the Egyptians.

The Egyptian team was a strong rival; it had won the African Nations Cup last month, a prize that left the players highly motivated. Indeed, the Egyptians may even be better than some of the best teams in Europe; judging from the African tournament, they might prove themselves solid contenders in the World Cup.

Egypt opened the score at minute 30, when Wael Gomaa sent a volley that England’s goalkeeper, Robert Green, seemed able to control. But Mathew Upson lost control of the ball, leaving a clear shot for Mohamed Zidan, who didn’t hesitate; his shot launched straight into the English team’s net.

The English team had a slow start. The players had clear opportunities but failed to convert, and went into halftime down 1-0.

The second half, however, saw a different game. England was able to score three goals, a minutes 56, 75, and 80, regaining its confidence. The goals weren’t easy, but Egypt’s defense left enough gaps that allowed the English team to convert. Egypt had opportunities as well, but against a resurgent England, one of the favorites for the World Cup, the team was unable to capitalize. England took the game, 3-1.

About the Author

Audrey Nolan has been a prominent writer on daily FIFA World Cup 2010 games, sports news and the online betting industry for many exceptional sport web sites. You may reprint this article in its full content, please note no modifications to it are accepted.